National Poetry Writing Month 2019 Day #5 (pt. 2)

National Poetry Writing Month 2019 Day #5 (pt. 2)

Here I use the napowrimo.net prompt: ‘a poem that incorporates at least one of the following: (1) the villanelle form, (2) lines taken from an outside text, and/or (3) phrases that oppose each other in some way.’ I didn’t follow the example and include song lyrics, because music publishers tend to be more alert to copyright infringement—but I did happen to be watching Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged appearance on YouTube, so my ‘outside text’ is ‘Come as you are’. I specifically countered that sentiment with ‘dress it up’, but tried to include opposites throughout.

Dress it up, if you dareThe sign says nothing, so improviseCome as you are

I’m not going anywhereI’m in no mood for surpriseDress it up, if you dare

Where’d it go? I was sure I put it over thereSometimes things disappear before your eyesCome as you are

I’ve never got very far, but I try not to careIt’s always a choice: the truth or the disguiseDress it up, if you dare

Now that she’s gone, my coat occupies that chairAbsence is the worst part when someone diesCome as you are

I still talk to you as if you were therethe conversation always ends in sighsDress it up, if you dareCome as you are